India, Nov. 1 -- Daniel Wilkerson escaped without injury after a dramatic engine explosion sent his Funny Car up in flames during the third qualifying session at the Mopar NHRA Las Vegas Nationals presented by Dodge.

Driving the Scag Jackal, Wilkerson struggled to maintain control as the vehicle suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure before eventually colliding with the guard wall.

The frightening incident unfolded within seconds, with the engine suddenly erupting into a massive fireball and the car's carbon-fiber bodywork being blown apart.

As pieces scattered across the track, the 38-year-old driver fought to keep the vehicle under control, making contact with the guard wall with both its front and rear tires before bringing the ...